Heard any good books lately? Audio books are a great way to pass the time while driving long distances for atrucking company. Not only are they entertaining, but they also help keep you alert and alleviate road fatigue. Most libraries offer audio books on CD, or you can subscribe to Amazon Prime or theAudibleapp to listen on a mobile device, such as a smart phone, tablet, or laptop. While there are many amazing titles to choose from, here are a few great choices for the long haul.

The Whistler, by John Grisham

Go on a high-stakes journey through the darkest corners of the Sunshine State withThe Whistler, the latest tale by best-selling author John Grisham. Dangerous is one thing.Deadly is something else.

It, by Stephen King

This classic 1980s horror novel is currently being revisited on the big screen, so an audio trip Derry, Maine may be in order. It's a small city, a place as hauntingly familiar as your own hometown. Only in Derry the haunting is real. AndItis lurking in the sewers.

Two by Two, by Nicholas Sparks

Bestselling authorNicholas Sparksreturns with an emotionally powerful story of unconditional love, its challenges, its risks and most of all, its rewards. You may want to keep a box of tissues handy for this story of a single father caring for his young daughter.

Never Never, by James Patterson and Candice Fox

Never assume you know someone. Never accept an assignment in the middle of nowhere. Never trust anyone. Never go anywhere without leaving a trace. Never Neveris an edge-of-your-seat thrill ride with enough intrigue and suspense to keep you guessing until the final minute.

Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them, by J.K. Rowling

Read by Newt Scamander himself, Academy Award winner Eddie Redmayne,Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Themis the first original screenplay from the author of the bestselling Harry Potter series. This is epic, adventure-packed storytelling at its very best.

The Underground Railroad, by Colson Whitehead

This recent Oprah Book Club Selection follows a young slave name Cora as she makes a desperate bid for freedom in the antebellum South. The Underground Railroadis at once a kinetic adventure tale of one woman's ferocious will to escape the horrors of bondage and a shattering, powerful meditation on the history we all share.

Norse Mythology, by Neil Gaiman

InNorse Mythology, master storyteller Neil Gaiman presents a dazzling version of the great Norse myths. This newly released Amazon and Audible bestseller breathes new life into these fascinating, ancient tales. Fans of the Marvel Universe will recognize Odin, Thor, Loki, and the legendary Ragnarok.

Combined Express, Inc.and Delaware Valley Shippers, Inc.are the premiertruckload,intermodalandLTLservice providers across the United States, with more than 35 years of industry experience.Movingfreighthas never been easier or more cost-effective than with our customtransportationandexpress freight services! Our knowledgeable and experienced team of logistics professionals is always on call to assist you with any questions or concerns that might arise. We work closely with you to learn your uniquefreightneeds, and to customize a shipping solution that fits your budget and delivers yourcargoon time.

There are many reasons whyCombined Expressis your go-to trucking company for all your shipping solutions. Whether you are looking to ship to the east or the west coast, Combined Express ships to 40 states direct, and in major metro areas every week. Read on to learn how Combined Express can help you get started on your shipping needs today!

Combined Express Has Integrity

Combined Express Inc. and Delaware Valley Shippers (wholly owned subsidiary) have been providing professional truck service needs for over 35 years. Customers can vouch for Combined Express: they are loyal, reliable and their years of experience mean you can trust they will get the job done!

Combined Express Ships All Over The U.S.

From our 26-door cross-dock facility outside of Philadelphia, PA, to the Mid-Atlantic Region (PA, NJ, DE, MD, NY) and all over the continental U.S., Combined Express can meet any of your shipping needs! Major metro areas shipped to every week include Atlanta, Chicago, Indianapolis, Dallas, Houston, Memphis, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles.

Combined Express Offers Customized Shipping Solutions

Combined Expresstakes pride in getting to know your company and customizes LTL freight shipping solutions that work specifically for your industry. Our goal is to work with individual companies to create cost-effective ways to ship goods on a repetitive basis more efficiently week after week and month after month.

Combined Express Assures Cost Effective Shopping

Combined Express Inc. and Delaware Valley Shippers provide top-notch service at competitive prices. While other companies starting out need to gouge prices to make a profit, we have been around long enough to build a reputation for success. Our years of building positive relationships help us to provide the lowest prices possible.

Combined Express Has An Easy to Navigate Website

While some trucking companies require you to do everything over the phone, we have everything as accessible as possible through our website. Atcombinedexpress.comyou canrequest a quotefor your shipment with our online tool,track and traceyour shipment online with real-time information about deliveries, and even sign up toschedule a pickup. It is as simple as that!

Combined Express Features Outstanding Customer Service And Drivers

Our employees are knowledgeable, experienced, and available at any point during your experience with Combined Express. We work closely with you to learn your unique freight needs, and to customize a shipping solution that fits your budget and delivers your freight on time. Our deliverydriversare trained, knowledgeable and efficient, and our customer service representatives deliver the most outstanding customer service possible. Call anytime during business hours for direct help from a friendly staff member.

Combined Express has been around long enough to know how to meet the needs of our clients with courtesy, and efficiency. Whether you are looking to ship something a few hours away or across the United States, Combined Express Inc. and Delaware Valley Shippers have the solutions for your individual shipping needs.Contact usfor more information on how to get started today!

Combined Express, Inc. and Delaware Valley Shippers, Inc. are the premier truckload, intermodal and LTL service providers across the United States, with more than 35 years of industry experience. Moving freight has never been easier or more cost-effective than with our custom transportation and express freight services! Our knowledgeable and experienced team of logistics professionals is always on call to assist you with any questions or concerns that might arise. We work closely with you to learn your unique freight needs, and to customize a shipping solution that fits your budget and delivers your cargo on time.

You spend a lot of time on the road when working for a trucking company, and good music can definitely make the trip more enjoyable. Whether youre driving from Philadelphia to Portland, or any route north, south, east or west, here are a few of our favorite trucking tunes to take along for the ride (in no particular order). Time flies when youre having fun, so go ahead and sing along!

Me and Bobby McGee: This love letter to the open highway has been covered many times, but none quite like the late Janis Joplin. Me and Bobby McGee is a song about a free-spirited couple that hitches a ride from a truck driver across the American south. They sing to pass the time, and then part ways during the journey, with Joplin expressing her sadness with her soulful voice. Freedom's just another word for nothin' left to lose.

Convoy: No trucking tunes list would be complete without C.W. McCalls Convoy. This fun little ditty made Rolling Stone magazine's 100 Greatest Country Songs of All Time, and is filled with 1970sCB slang. "Pig Pen, this here's the Rubber Duck, and I'm about to put the hammer down."

Six Days on the Road: This rocking tune was made famous by Dave Dudley in 1963, and is considered a true celebration of the American truck driver. More than 30 years later, a cover by country music band Sawyer Brown took hit the Top 15 of the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart. Six days on the road and I'm gonna make it home tonight.

Truck Drivin Man: The rollicking blues harp in the beginning of Ricky Nelsons version of Truck Drivin Man will get your toes tapping. I said that old song sure does fit me, cause I'm a truck driving man.

Truckin: This Grateful Dead song from 1970 is a catchy shuffle with that quintessential, classic Dead sound. The songs lyrics are about the band's experiences on the road and serve as a metaphor for getting through the constant changes in life. "What a long, strange trip it's been.

Life is a Highway: This Tommy Cochrane song had a major comeback when it was covered by country band Rascal Flatts for the Pixar film Cars. KA-CHOW! Life is a highway. I want to ride it all night long.

Ive Been Everywhere: That deep baritone voice of Johnny Cash could fill a whole album of tunes for the road, but Ive Been Everywhere is the ultimate travel song. "Listen, I've traveled every road in this here land!

On The Road Again: This song was written in 1980 by the one and only Willie Nelson, and made famous by his unique vocals. Youll find it on Rolling Stones list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time, and in 2011, "On The Road Again" was inducted to the Grammy Hall of Fame. And I can't wait to get on the road again.

Combined Express, Inc. and Delaware Valley Shippers, Inc. are the premier truckload, intermodal and LTL service providers across the United States, with more than 35 years of industry experience. Moving freight has never been easier or more cost-effective than with our custom transportation and express freight services! Our knowledgeable and experienced team of logistics professionals is always on call to assist you with any questions or concerns that might arise. We work closely with you to learn your unique freight needs, and to customize a shipping solution that fits your budget and delivers your cargo on time.

Living on the road doesnt mean that your workout routine must suffer. Jobs intransportationsometimes come with busy schedules, and lots of sitting in the drivers seat. While it can be difficult to get to a gym, it is possible to do several workouts in or near your vehicle, without needing any special equipment. Here are a few ideas to help you get moving.

1. Push-Ups

There is a reason push-ups are still relevant today they work! This very basic exercise can tone your arms, legs and other areas of your body. One good thing about push-ups is that you use your body as your resistance rather than exercise equipment. As long as you have enough room to extend your legs back, and have enough space to widen your arms to shoulder length apart, you can do push-ups with ease. This exercise is also easy enough to squeeze in while waiting on the next load.

2. Squats and Walking Lunges

Looking to tone up your legs? Squats are easy, simple and require very little space. If you have a bit more space, such as a sidewalk at a rest area, consider walking lunges. These are a great way to work your calves and help stretch your sore muscles. Performing leg exercises will help reduce cramps and keep blood flowing as well.

3. Sit Ups

These exercises are so easy that you can knock them out without having to leave your sleeper! While there is lots of advice out on the Internet on how to do the perfectsit up, the most important thing to remember is not to over-strain your back. Find a comfortable spot in your truck and find a technique that works best for you.

4. Walking and Running

Running a few laps around your truck can get your heart rate up enough to help you achieve weight loss goals and maintain a healthy heart. Take your time when at a truck stop to give yourself plenty of walking time. Make it a habit to choose a spot far away from the door so that you are forced to walk the extra distance. Also consider going off the sidewalk and exploring; several rest areas have paths or sidewalks nearby you can venture on. Start your walk at a steady pace and then add knee-to-chest raises to get your heart pumping.

5. Resistance Band Exercises

Invest in a resistance band to fit more exercises into your routine. Hook your resistance band onto the truck door to do some rowing exercises. You can use resistance bands to target many major muscle groups, including arms, shoulders, chest, legs, back and abs.

The freight you carry is not the only precious cargo in your truck. Take care of yourself by creating a workout routine tailor made for members of the transportation industry. There is always something you can fit into your schedule, no matter how small the space is or how little time you have.

Combined Express, Inc. and Delaware Valley Shippers, Inc.are the premier truckload, intermodal and LTL service providers across the United States, with more than 35 years of industry experience. Moving freight has never been easier or more cost-effective than with our custom transportation and express freight services! Our knowledgeable and experienced team of logistics professionals is always on call to assist you with any questions or concerns that might arise. We work closely with you to learn your unique freight needs, and to customize a shipping solution that fits your budget and delivers your cargo on time.

While choosing a career as a truck driver can be lucrative and beneficial for your family, the distance from ones growing children can be difficult. Working for atrucking companyallows you to contribute financially, but you may feel you are missing special milestones or the ability to see your kids as often as youd like.

Although this lifestyle can be both rewarding and tricky, there are easy steps you can take to stay connected with your kids while on the road. Here are a few to help you get started.

1. Write Postcards Or Handwritten Letters

While technology has allowed us the opportunity to communicate with lightning speed, children also appreciate the excitement of receiving a letter or postcard in the mail intended specially for them. When you have a career in transportation, postcards can be a fun way to make your kids feel like they are traveling with you. Encourage them to keep a scrapbook of all your travels so that they can turn to it when missing you. While handwritten letters take a little more time, they add that personal touch your child may be missing. Offer advice for your kids, or tell funny stories about your travels on the road.

2. Send Special Gifts Or Souvenirs

Like postcards, a small gift can be a fun reminder of a unique place you visited while on the road. Perhaps you send a cowboy hat from Texas, seashells from Miami, or an Eagles jersey fromPhiladelphia. Depending on the age and interests of your child you may want to send a small stuffed animal, sweets from a local bake shop, or other small trinkets. Again, when it comes down to it, kids love to receive mail!

Text/Phone/Video Chat

While waiting to receive mail, youll want to keep contact with your children as often as possible. Texts, phone calls and video chats are easy and quick ways to pop in and see how their day is going. Video chatting is great for allowing children to not only hear your voice, but see your face, too. This could be a comfort to you as well. Use your break time (such as at lunch or right before bed) to safely communicate with your family.

Social Media

Social media has become the ultimate tool for people to keep communication going in long-distance relationships. Whether your spouse or kids are onFacebook,TwitterorInstagram, stay connected. Social media can be a great way to exchange photos and hear about the everyday happenings in your familys life. You also dont have to worry about coordinating time, which is super useful when your trucking company has you traveling in a different time zone.

Make Memories At Home

Although you may be tempted to unwind and stay home, put yourself in your kids shoes and remember theyve been waiting eagerly for your return. Take your kids to the park or zoo, race go-carts, or participate in any other fun activity you can all enjoy together. Make an extra effort to create new memories to help carry you through until the next time you are home from the road.

Maintaining a healthy bond and relationship with your kids doesnt have to be difficult when you work in transportation. Show interest in their daily lives and make the effort to keep in touch as often as possible. Surprise them with new gifts while on the road and fun activities together when you are home. Use these tips to stay connected with your kids and maintain that special parent-child bond while on the road.

Combined Express, Inc. and Delaware Valley Shippers, Inc. are the premier truckload, intermodal and LTL service providers across the United States, with more than 35 years of industry experience. Moving freight has never been easier or more cost-effective than with our custom transportation and express freight services! Our knowledgeable and experienced team of logistics professionals is always on call to assist you with any questions or concerns that might arise. We work closely with you to learn your unique freight needs, and to customize a shipping solution that fits your budget and delivers your cargo on time.

The Medical Review Board of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) outlined its official recommendations to the agency on screening and disqualification criteria for truck drivers who are suspected of having moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea. Here we will cover the Code of Regulations and an explanation of the program phases. For additional information on the boards preliminary recommendations, read Part 1 of this series here. Code of Federal Regulations:CFR Section 391.41(a)(1)(i)states physical qualifications for drivers now require that a commercial driver may .... not operate a commercial motor vehicle unless he or she is medically certified as physically qualified to do so....CFR Section 391.41(b)(5)further states that a person is qualified to drive a commercial motor vehicle provided that person: Has no established medical history or clinical diagnosis of a respiratory dysfunction likely to interfere with ability to control and drive a commercial motor vehicle safely.Sleep apnea is specifically included as a respiratory dysfunction that is likely to interfere with ability to control and drive a commercial motor vehicle. Simply put, screening for a respiratory dysfunction (sleep apnea) is now mandated and automatically included in the drivers medical card exam.If the certified medical examiner (CME) suspects that the driver might suffer from sleep apnea, the CME must refer the driver to a sleep specialist for testing; and if tested positive, for treatment.The medical examiner cannot sign off on the medical exam unless this portion of the exam is completed and done so in a timely fashion. If the exam is not completed in timely fashion, the commercial drivers license will either be suspended or simply not renewed. In either event, the driver will not be permitted to drive unless an extension is obtained for purposes of completing the exam. There are NO EXCEPTIONS. Most clinics will grant a 90-day extension for purposes of obtaining a sleep apnea test and, when indicated, participation in a treatment program.While some clinics will grant additional extensions, those are becoming fewer and fewer due to the mounting risk of accidents and concurrent liability for both the driver and employer. When treatment is indicated, the driver will be permitted to continue driving provided he/she participates in an approved treatment program traditionally, a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) device.No-Cost Screening:In-lab testing usually requires more than one session at a cost of between $1,500 and $5,000. To reduce the overall costs and anxiety occasioned toour driversas a result of these new Regulations, we have made special arrangements with the nations leading sleep apnea screening, testing and treatment company,SleepMaster SolutionsTM (SMS), specializing in the transportation industry and, in particular, commercial drivers. SMS will conduct an initial, no-cost screening of all of our clients, and our clients drivers. This screening can be conducted at the drivers convenience, electronically through SMS telemedicine network, or, if preferred, at one of SMS clinic facilities located in all 50 states.Screening can be done at a time well before the drivers required medical exam without impacting or otherwise shortening the time for the required medical exam. By doing so, the driver knows well beforehand whether or not he/she has sleep apnea, and if so, can access the appropriate regulatory compliant treatment program before the required medical exam. SMS will absorb the full cost of this screening process. If the driver tests positive, he/she MUST BECOME FULLY COMPLIANT with the DOT Regulations in order to continue driving commercially.Program Explanation:Helpe Inc.has an agreement that may be used to refer drivers for free sleep apnea evaluations, which may result in a negative finding for sleep apnea. This would result in the driver receiving a sleep apnea evaluation certificate, which could then be taken to his/her DOT physician to be used in conjunction with the DOT physical.If a driver were in need of further sleep apnea studies, the company provides an in-home evaluation, which can be accomplished without waiting months for an appointment and done at a discounted price.Phase 1 of the program involves the screening process.All drivers can be screened for sleep apnea symptoms, or lack of, before their required medical exam. Screening is conducted electronically, at the drivers convenience, by the SleepMaster Solutions team of telemedicine physicians. In the event the driver does not have any indications of sleep apnea, a medical report and a Certificate of Compliance will be issued to this effect.

Phase 2 occurs only if driver has indications of sleep apnea. SleepMaster will provide the driver with appropriate home sleep test (HST) machine for their use. If the driver tests negative for sleep apnea, a medical report and Certificate of Compliance will be issued. If the driver tests positive for sleep apnea, he enters Phase III of the program. Pricing for Phase 2 of the Program includes shipping and handling to the driver, medical review of the test results, and a medical report provided to the driver and his/her physician. The fee for the complete HST and medical report is $495, and payment plans are available.Phase 3 is the treatment portion of the Program.In Phase 3, a network physician will provide a prescription for the driver to receive a DeVilbiss IntelliPAP Auto Adjust System with heated humidifier, or comparable CPAP unit. To obtain the physical, a driver diagnosed with sleep apnea must present evidence of participating in a treatment program for at least 30 days prior to the physical. SleepMaster provides the driver with evidence of such participation in the form of a Certificate of Compliance. Pricing includes choice of mask with headgear (nasal or full face), travel case, tubing and filters, and DOT compliance report reviews. The fee for the Phase 3 treatment plan, including the Certificate of Compliance is $1,400. Payment plans are available.We believe this is a hassle free, lower cost alternative to the pressing sleep apnea recommendations being brought forward by the Medical Review Board.

Combined Express, Inc. and Delaware Valley Shippers, Inc. are the premier truckload, intermodal and LTL service providers across the United States, with more than 35 years of industry experience. Moving freight has never been easier or more cost-effective than with our custom transportation services! Our knowledgeable and experienced team of logistics professionals is always on call to assist you with any questions or concerns that might arise. We work closely with you to learn your unique freight needs and to customize a shipping solution that fits your budget and delivers your freight on time.

The Medical Review Board of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) outlined its official recommendations to the agency on screening and disqualification criteria for truck drivers who are suspected of having moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea.The boards preliminary recommendations, which have not yet been approved by the board, encourage the FMCSA to require a trucker to be screened for sleep apnea if:

Has a body mass index greater than 40, or

Has a body mass index greater than 33 and meets three of the following:

Older than 42

Male

Postmenopausal female

Type 2 diabetes

High blood pressure

History of stroke, coronary artery disease, or arrhythmias

Small or recessed jaw

Loud snoring

Witnessed pauses in breathing

Small airway

Neck size over 17 inches (male) or 15.5 inches (female)

Untreated hypothyroidism

The board also recommends that FMCSA allow truckers with a sleep apnea diagnosis to continue to drive if they are being treated effectively, which is defined as the resolution of moderated to severs OSA to mild or better, as determined by a certified sleep specialist.These recommendations are not yet final, however, as the board did not vote to approve them. Also the recommendations are just that recommendations. FMCSA has no legal requirement to adopt any of the recommendations, but will likely lean on them when developing a sleep apnea rule.Other Recommendations made included the following:

A driver found to be at risk for sleep apnea based on BMI should be certified for 90 days pending a sleep study.

If a driver already has a negative or mild diagnosis, a new sleep study should be ordered if any additional risk factors appear or if the driver has a 10 percent increase in weight. If age is the only added risk factor, then there should be a three-year wait since the last sleep study.

To diagnose drivers, an in-lab test is preferred but at-home testing is acceptable if the results cannot be falsified.

For treatment, a positive airway pressure (PAP) machine is preferred but oral devices and surgeries are options. A driver using a PAP machine can be certified for one year if they use the machine for at least 30 days (fewer if being recertified), at least 4 hours per night and on 70 percent of nights.

For more information, stay tuned for Part 2 of this series.

Combined Express, Inc. and Delaware Valley Shippers, Inc. are the premier truckload, intermodal and LTL service providers across the United States, with more than 35 years of industry experience. Moving freight has never been easier or more cost-effective than with our custom transportation services! Our knowledgeable and experienced team of logistics professionals is always on call to assist you with any questions or concerns that might arise. We work closely with you to learn your unique freight needs and to customize a shipping solution that fits your budget and delivers your freight on time.

ABOUT US

Combined Express, Inc. and Delaware Valley Shippers, Inc. provide over the road and intermodal LTL and Truckload transportation services throughout the United States. Customized packages are available to satisfy your transportation needs.